Kwederology Vol. 2

Kenn Kweder

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: February 23, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B000062VWL
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #506,184 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
A product of a working-class neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia, Kweder first made his mark in the mid-1970's with a series of posters (featuring the likes of Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald) that announced performances by his first band, the storied Secret Kidds.

Combining his sometimes brittle, sometimes frightening visions with the awesome rock 'n' roll of the Secret Kidds, Kweder single-handedly created Philadelphia's original rock music scene. By convincing club owners that people would pay to see local, unsigned talent, Kweder paved the way for the emergence of any number of Philly-based acts who have achieved a national profile.

Throughout the late 70's, Kweder was courted by major record labels. But fame and fortune weren't worth the sacrifices in style and temperament that the people from the record companies demanded he make. Thus, while other Philly acts were signed by major labels, Kenn continued plying his singular musical trade in relative obscurity. Nonetheless, he kept writing and performing with a succession of back-up bands, thrilling his loyal following with an array of songs that ran the gamut from the icy paranoia of "Imagination" to the whimsy of the independently produced 45, "The Ballad of Manute Bol," an ode to the 7 foot, 7 inch basketball player. By the 1980's, other acts had surpassed Kenn as local attractions, and he decided to return to Europe where, years earlier, he had sung in the streets. It was a trip, he says, that had a profound effect on his life.

"Europe helped recharge me," he says. "it just helped me feel more balanced about everything." It also gave him the "discipline" he says he needed to return to Philadelphia to resume his career in earnest.

Upon his return, Kweder hooked up with the person whom he says he owes his biggest debt, singer-songwriter Ben Vaughn. With Vaughn serving as a combination producer-cheerleader-coach, Kweder released Pandemonium Years, a compilation of material recorded live and in the studio between 1976 and 1986, and then in 1989 Man Overboard, which consisted of old and new songs, all recorded under the watchful ear and eye of Vaughn.

1991's Flesh, Blood & Blue introduced a new Kenn Kweder--Kweder the producer. Believing that no one better understands his music, the resulting album was an even more concise and personal statement than his previous recordings.

Today, Kenn Kweder is still known for his live performances that have been described variously as "a circus," "a riot," and even "a religious experience." And, once again, he has transformed that energy, intelligence, and passion onto a record that reaffirms his unique position in contemporary music.

Product Description
Kweder's new release KWEDEROLOGY vol. 1&2 is a 3 CD set, produced by George McCartin, includes almost 30 years of Kweder songs, live recordings, studio outtakes, Japanese versions of Kweder songs, phone conversations, interviews, outrageous moments on and off stage, highlighting many of his greatest bands from the Secret Kidds to the Radio Church of Kweder and presently the Men from Wa Wa!!!

These CDs are an attempt to capture and assemble the essence of everything Kweder. This set introduces or reintroduces the audience to Kenn Kweder at large. Be it an explosive stage performance, ad lib poetic composition, a sincere delivery of a favorite song, an outrageous intoxicated eruption at the local bar, a night in a club or a document of a scene from sometime past, these collections present a few hours with Kweder the poet, Kweder in the 'hood, the consummate showman, singer, songwriter, and recording artist. Included in the CD sleeve is a daunting list of all the musicians that have recorded with Kweder on all the cuts on KWEDEROLOGY. It is a must have for any Kwederite!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Ultimate album, October 21, 2004

By	kwederGroupie4Life "sheena" (PA) - See all my reviews

What can I say? I've been following the Kwede's career since I saw him in a little bar in Philly 10 years ago, ever since I've been one of the many "kwede groupies". What's not to like about this album or any of his albums for that matter? Everything he touches turns to pure gold. I hope to God the Kwede never goes away, because that would be a sad, sad, day in music history. Buy this album and you will be hooked from the first song. You will love his delivery and his pure, raw talent that you rarely find in this day and age. I give this album a 3 thumbs up!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars The kwede is a music god, August 19, 2004

By	John Smith "Kwede Fan" (Phila USA) - See all my reviews

This album will rock your world. The Kwede is a rock god, pure and simple. This quote from the Kwede says it all: "I'm the perfect match for Philly because I'm serious, but not piggish about my music and what I do. I'm a superstar in my own right, but down to earth, like a true Philadelphian." Superstar is right.

5.0 out of 5 stars INCREDIBLE, December 16, 2003

By	Joan "Joan" (Phila., PA United States) - See all my reviews

I never heard of Kenn until my son introduced me to his music. Kenn is incredible!!! His music is so different. There is something in all of his songs that will make you smile.

If anyone has the opportunity, they should run, not walk, to see him perform.